Death: Planning ahead
A legacy of care
A legacy is more than just passing on money or belongings; it’s about making sure your loved ones are cared for when you’re no longer here. One important part of this is arranging funeral cover, which is often overlooked. By understanding and taking these steps, you can leave a legacy of care and responsibility.Funerals can be very expensive, sometimes costing several thousand to over ten thousand dollars. This can place a heavy financial burden on your family during an already hard time. Having funeral cover means your family won’t have to worry about these costs while they’re grieving. Instead, they can focus on remembering and honouring you.
With funeral cover, you also get to decide how you want your final arrangements to be handled. Whether you want a traditional burial, cremation, or something unique, having a plan ensures your wishes are followed. Without this, your family might face tough decisions and disagreements at a time when they’re already emotional.
Planning funeral cover can also help avoid disputes among family members. When your wishes are clear and finances are arranged, there’s less chance of confusion or arguments. This thoughtful planning helps keep the peace and makes sure your legacy is respected.
Arranging funeral cover shows how much you care about your family and your legacy. It demonstrates that you’ve thought ahead and want to make things easier for them. Starting these conversations now sets a good example for your family about the importance of planning for the future, making it easier for them to talk about end-of-life wishes and finances.
Funeral cover gives you control over your final moments, ensuring everything matches your values and preferences. It helps maintain your dignity and respect, making sure your send-off is exactly how you wanted it. Planning not only lifts the financial burden from your loved ones but also shows how much you care, leaving a meaningful and responsible legacy.
* Roberta da Costa is the Head of Distribution, Retail Mass Foundation at Old Mutual Namibia.
**Opinion pieces and letters by the public do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial team. The editors reserve the right to abridge original texts. All newspapers of Namibia Media Holdings adhere to the Code of Ethics for Namibian Media, a code established jointly with the Media Ombudsman.